Books Reviews

Haywired – Book Review

By Angela Youngman Oct 20, 2010, 16:50 GMT

Introducing Haywired, a steam punk fairytale. In the quiet village of Little Wainesford, Ludwig Von Guggenstein is about to have his unusual existence turned inside out. When he and his father are blamed for a fatal accident during the harvest, a monstrous family secret is revealed. Soon Ludwig will begin to uncover diabolical plans that span countries and generations while ghoulish machines hunt him down. He must fight for survival, ...more

It starts off as an ordinary day in the village of Little Wainsford - until Ludgwig Von Guggenstein and his inventor father are blamed for a fatal accident.  Soon Ludwig is on the run, fighting for survival in a world gone mad. 

What is the secret behind his father's mystery machines?  Why do people go missing? Diabolical plans spanning several continents have to be dealt with, while avoiding the machines that hunt him down.  Who can he trust?

The climax is quite stunning and definitely unexpected as Ludwig finds out the truth about the machines.  The publishers call this a steampunk fairytale and it is hard to think of another word which will do. 

Do not expect traditional fairies in this story - it is a tale for the twenty first century yet with a distinct fantasy twist.  Once you start reading it, you just cannot stop until the last page is reached - which is the mark of a good book.